The traditional art of basket weaving will be highlighted when the Morongo Band of Mission Indians hosts the 24th annual California Indian Basketweavers Association gathering Friday through Sundayat the Morongo Community Center.

The association’s goal is to preserve, promote and perpetuate traditional basket weaving by California Indians, and the event is expected to attract hundreds of Native American basket weavers and artists.

Weavers will demonstrate and sell their work, share techniques and stories and explore regional weaving styles. The event also is intended to raise awareness among Americans Indians, the public, the arts community and educators about the beauty and significance of California Indian basket weaving.

Members of the public are invited to a gathering Saturday at 13000 Malki Road in Banning. A weaving demonstration is set for 1 to 3 p.m. Basket weaving classes will be taught by master weavers who are experts in a variety of California Indian regional basket types, and traditional baskets created by CIBA members will be displayed. Admission is $5.

At 7 p.m., there will be a cultural presentation by the Morongo tribe.

“California Indian basket weaving links us to our past and to those who have gone before, and the unique beauty of each basket tells its own story,” Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin said in a news release.

The CIBA Gathering was created in 1991 by a handful of weavers who feared that California Indian basketry traditions and practices were threatened with extinction. At the time, the weavers were few in numbers and several were the only remaining weavers from their tribal region, according to Morongo spokesman Michael Fisher.

Now, the organization has more than 900 members who study and teach traditional California Indian basketry techniques.

“Basket weaving is more than an art from; it is the very essence of who we are as California Indians,” Clint McKay, chairman of CIBA, said in the release.

Join the conversation

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to allow Freedom Communications, Inc. the right to republish your name and comment in additional Freedom publications without any notification or payment.